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Monday, January 23, 2012

A New Goal

What brought this glaringly to my attention was that we had several different groups of "drop in" company over a period of about 4 days.

To say that I did not handle it graciously would be an understatement. The company was an intrusion on my well-ordered day, and it frustrated me.

My attitude wasn't very kind, or neighborly. I hope the company couldn't tell, but I was disturbed to find out that my husband could.

So, I've been thinking and praying about how I can avoid a repeat of this situation.

My personality does best with a little preparation to deflect stressful situations. So, my first order of business is......

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Be prepared for company.

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I've watched my mother-in-law put together meals for a crowd with very little warning, and some of her advice has always been "have some easy meals on hand."

You can do this a number of different ways. By keeping some convenience foods in your pantry or freezer you will be able to put together a casserole or pot of soup within minutes.

Another way is to make double of what you are feeding your family and freeze the second pan. I've done this quite a bit lately, and it also helps me when I have a rough day and need an "easy out" for supper.

A third way that I can be prepared is to simply relax about my home and not worry so much about what people think of it. There are four children and two adults who live here, and it looks like it. Most of the company that comes to our house has children too, and should understand.

To be continued

Now, I want to hear how you practice hospitality at your house. Do you have some tricks or strategies that work for you?

25 comments:

Ha! dear yoou remember me exactly! I dont like when people "fall" at home without know. I think is terrible.I remember one time I was washing my hair (in these time dont ha the twins)and arrive at home two friends that really they not close, OMG I think I was terrible, only think I wanna they go!!Ha,ha I was bas I know. Bad with the time and the twins Im more relax, you know the kids ALWAYS come with friend.I usually try to have pizza ingredients at home (I make the dough) so is a plate that love adults and kids (lol) and have some desserts that are easy to make (fruits with sauce, ice cream with fruits (lol)) the kids are amazing they love all!!Finally when the twins arrived at home abou 1 month I received all weekends about 30 to 40 persons that come to "see" the twins. almost I was crazy but all pass dear . Dont complicate with nothing you have 4 kids for God!

Thanks for the reminder to relax. I know that I'm much more comfortable when the hostess is relaxed then when she is worried about the food or house. I don't visit another to see her house! The fellowship is the real purpose of a visit.Gina

Oh yeah. I don't do well with that. But I have relaxed tons over the years.

But first I have to know...drop in company that stayed for dinner? Did they expect dinner or did you invite them?

If they dropped in to say hi, then ok...I always think people should call first but many don't. If they have kids and come unannounced, then they should know that your house will not look like a magazine. Your are real people and so are they.

If they stop in and stay right at dinner time, I do not feel obligated to invite them to stay. If you want them to stay, then order a pizza or keep frozen ones on hand and pair it with a salad. But only if you really want to. Like I said...don't feel obligated. Or if your hubs invites them without asking you..as in right in front of them so you can't so 'no' hahaha...have him go pick up a pizza or chinese carryout or something. Do what is best for you.

Funny you said you thought you hid your feelings well but your hubs could tell. That happens to me a lot. I'm sure he is the only one that could read you. ha.

Gloria ~ this happened to me, too, when the triplets were babies...everyone wanted to drop in and see the babies. Sometimes they would all be down for a nap (finally!) and people would even ask if I could wake them up! Crazy. People just don't think.

Rebecca, I thought this was such an interesting post. While I love the IDEA of entertaining & having a welcoming house, I still have so much to learn in regard to hospitality.

I get so stressed whenever I am planning an event (kid's birthday, etc.) even if it's just family coming over. I have this idea of how I want it to be...relaxed yet with fun,delicious food and simple decorations. I always end up running around like crazy & am usually hot & sweaty & a bundle of nerves by the time folks arrive.

I know for a fact that unexpected company would stress me out because I wouldn't be prepared. My house would be a mess, I wouldn't have food ready, etc.

Yet, I think about when I was a kid. Our family would drop-in visit with folks all the time. Usually, it would be a Sunday afternoon. We might have been at my grandparents for lunch & then we'd drive and stop in with other relatives or friends in the area. People just don't do that type of thing much anymore.

Betsy, Well, they were mostly just stop by, and then stay for dinner type of company. I agree, not very polite, but I was trying to focus on MY attitude about the whole thing. Um, hubby knows better than to invite company for a meal when I'm not prepared. :) Really like the "take-out" idea!!

Well, I say just try to be gracious about them dropping by. Don't worry about the house and don't feel obligated to ask them to stay for dinner.And if they do stay, get the takeout...SO much easier on you so you can relax.

If you didn't have to worry about cooking for them, you could probably have a better attitude about the entire visit.

I think maybe these people have to bring their own food!! ha,ha,I remember betsy when the kids arrive have to serve tons of coffe (lol) and cakes and sandwiches etc,etc, (was in winter)but Really betsy have reason Rebecca at this time I dont care about house, you dont have time (lol) Omelettes is nice and pizza too.! Love quiches too are easy and you can freeze them

hi Rebecca! thanks for stopping by at my blog :-) just today i felt like you - i was thinking to myself 'oh i hope nobody is going to stop by today - i look a mess, we have a cold, i accidentally eat my dogs pills this morning (no comment) & i just don't feel like seeing anyone' ... lol ... then there are better days when i don't mind as much but i'm not the coolest one about non invited visits neither :-) ... have a lovely day!

Birdie, So glad to have you visit. I'm still laughing about the dog pills. Sounds like something I would do. One time I gave the wrong child some prescription medicine. I turned around with the medicine dropper, and the wrong boy opened his mouth. :) Poison control said it was nothing to worry about, but I felt like an idiot. :)

good morning Rebecca, oh sorry to hear about that mistake ... i understand how you felt and i'm happy your boy was ok!! that's what went in my head yesterday 'thanks God i didn't give the pill to my son as a mistake' ... it's so easy to make a mix- up when we are not fully present ... happy day!